What 11th Grade Students Should Do Now to Prepare for a Competitive Application Process

(This is an updated version of an article from 2021.)

For juniors, aiming for a top university is no small feat, and preparation for such an ambitious goal begins well before senior year. Now is the time for students to strategize and position themselves well. We’ll dive into the essential aspects that 11th graders should be focusing on this monumental academic year to make their college applications stand out!

SAT/ACT Preparation: Start Early and Keep Practicing

The state of standardized testing in college admissions may be in flux, what with the increase in test-optional and test-free policies, but the SAT and ACT remain strong components of most college applications. Starting test preparation early ensures that students have ample time to understand the format, identify their weak points, and refine their skills. At the minimum, juniors should aim to take a full SAT and full ACT to see which of the two is their stronger test, and prepare for the test they score higher in. 

There are plenty of online tools and resources. We recommend students start practicing with at least one full test a week about three months out from the first test date. Two months before the test, students should isolate which particular subjects they need to practice more, and a month prior, it could be helpful to work with a tutor who can further isolate the types of questions that tend to trip up the student when test-taking. 

Don't shy away from retaking the test. Often, students can improve their scores in their second or even third attempt. However, note that it's better to prepare thoroughly for a retake than to hastily attempt it multiple times. Don’t expect that your student’s score will increase just from the retake; it’s critical to practice prior. 

Extracurricular Activities: Beyond the Classroom

When it comes to extracurriculars, it’s important to have a good amount of activities that align with your student’s major. Top universities look for depth, not only breadth (though this isn’t to say every single extracurricular must be related to a student’s major – a degree of breadth can show that a student is multifaceted). Juniors should be seeking out leadership opportunities, extracurricular activities, and summer programs that match the major the student is aiming for. For example, being president of DECA matches for a student interested in business, but could be less impactful for a student interested in computer science (unless the student is planning to combine the two disciplines)!

Students should secure internships or research positions related to their intended major. Not only does this offer practical experience, but it also demonstrates commitment and a deeper understanding of the field. This can include programs like Polygence and Lumiere, but also summer opportunities hosted at universities, like UCSB SRA. 

Community engagement is also key. Students should align their passion with community needs. If a student is into environmental science, perhaps they may be interested in starting a community clean-up initiative. For those into literature, starting a reading club for children at a local community center or library could align with their interests. Such endeavors show a balance of personal interest and community involvement.

Recommendation Letters: Sealing the Deal

When it comes to recommendation letters, students will want to start the conversation early with their recommenders. Don’t wait until application season is in full swing! This means asking questions in class, going to office hours, and actively asking for help when students have questions about homework or upcoming exams.

It’s also important for juniors to consider exactly which teachers they plan to ask for recommendation letters. It’s a good idea to generally theme recommender selection towards the intended major. For example, CS majors should look to get recommendations from math or science teachers, whereas political science majors should seek out English or history.

To help smooth and improve the letter-writing process, students should provide a brag sheet to their recommenders. A brag sheet is essentially a resume, but specifically for recommendation purposes. It should highlight students’ academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant accomplishments. This can help a student’s recommender recall their achievements and craft a detailed and impactful letter. It’s also a helpful exercise in order to keep a student’s resume constantly updated and to prepare for the extracurricular activities sections of college applications (such as the section in the Common App).11th

Hopefully these pointers will help your student get started in considering what to do now in 11th grade to prepare for the admissions process next year! If you’d like to get some additional help or individualized feedback, feel free to book a free consultation with us so we can discuss your student specifically.